Preview wexford 17th Mar

The Crafty Butcher hasn't yet landed the big prize he has threatened to this term, but is presented with an excellent opportunity in the Arctic Tack Stud Veterans Handicap Chase at Wexford on Friday.

After finding Noble Endeavor too strong when a well-backed favourite for the Paddy Power Chase, the money again went astray when Willie Mullins' charge came down over timber in a Pertemps qualifier at Punchestown.

He missed the cut for the Thyestes and the Kim Muir, but will be fancied to gain some compensation in this slightly less exalted company.

Mullins hasn't enjoyed the best Cheltenham this week, whereas his title rival Gordon Elliott has swept all before him, and the Cullentra handler might provide the biggest stumbling block here in the shape of the revitalised Realt Mor.

Elliott should also have high hopes for Cadeau Du Bresil in the Micheal O'Murchadha Memorial Rated Hurdle.

The five-year-old has hit the crossbar twice since landing a Limerick maiden and tackles Shark Hanlon's in-form gelding Camlann.

Goulane Chosen bids to back up his recent Clonmel success in the Eoin O'Gorman Solicitors Novice Handicap Chase.

The form of that was boosted when the runner-up came out to scoop a big Gowran pot last weekend, and the David McGrath-trained eight-year-old would appear capable of defying top weight.

The action gets under way at 2.20 with the Pinnacle, Tomcoole, Waters & Kelly's Farmhouse Bakery Maiden Hurdle, in which Theydon Park and Tree Of Knowledge give Joseph O'Brien a strong hand.

Banno made a good start to his career when third to Champion Bumper fourth Next Destination and should build on that in the Wexford (Pro/Am) Flat Race.

There is also St Patrick's Day action in the north and Elliott relies on Roi Des Francs and Dedigout in the feature Daily Mirror Chase, with the latter a late withdrawal from Thursday's Stayers' Hurdle.